Poultry Catching and Loading Welfare

The catching and loading of poultry for transport to slaughter is one of the highest-risk welfare events in the production cycle, with injury and mortality rates reflecting the quality of catching methods.

Key Facts

Manual catching of broilers involves workers grabbing birds by their legs and carrying multiple per hand
Wing, leg, and joint injuries are common consequences of manual catching, affecting 25-30% of birds in some studies
Mechanical harvesting systems using conveyor-based catching cause fewer injuries than manual methods
Crating density during transport significantly affects bird welfare and mortality
Night catching during birds' rest period reduces stress compared to daytime operations

Welfare Considerations

Poultry catching is a welfare flash-point where industry speed pressures and animal welfare interests are most acutely in conflict. The injury rates associated with manual multi-bird catching are well-documented and unacceptable from a welfare perspective. Mechanical catching systems, night operations, and reduced crating density each address specific welfare harms. Consumer pressure and certification requirements for catching method standards are beginning to create market incentives for welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Choose poultry products certified under standards specifying humane catching methods
Advocate for mechanical catching requirements in higher welfare poultry certification standards
Support research into improved catching and loading systems that reduce injury rates
Learn about poultry transport and catching welfare to strengthen advocacy